Roller derby team gives blood to help member

BARNSLEY'S roller derby team gave blood after a member's son needed several blood transfusions after undergoing chemotherapy.

Ben Charlesworth was 18 when he was diagnosed with leukaemia. He has just completed a three year chemotherapy programme, during which he needed several blood transfusions.

His mum Dawn, who is a non-skating official, said members of the Black Heart Rollers had donated seven pints, and would be taking the total up to 11 pints - which is what Ben received.

Dawn, 52, of Park Road, Barnsley, said they decided to give blood after being challenged to do a good deed on Facebook.

"Ben was only 18 when he was diagnosed and was told he couldn't do this and that, such as travelling abroad and other things young boys do.

"He thought it was brilliant. He couldn't do it himself but he was very grateful to the people who had given blood because without them, people like Ben wouldn't get through the treatment. When he needed it, it was there and available."

Ben's girlfriend Rachael Eyton also plays in the team, which is how the couple met.